Small Whale · Reading worksheet

Hawaiian religion

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/hawaiian-religion

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Hawaiian religion. Small Whale. https://smallwhale.org/articles/hawaiian-religion. Accessed 2026-09-23. Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What are the main gods in Hawaiian religion?Hawaiian religion has many gods and goddesses. Some of the most important ones are Kū, the god of war; Lono, who brings agriculture and peace; Kāne, the creator and freshwater god; and Kanaloa, the god of the ocean.
2. How does the kapu system help people in Hawaii?The kapu system is a set of rules that keeps people and nature balanced. It tells who can go where, what foods can be eaten, and when to pray, so everyone stays safe and respectful.
3. Why do Hawaiians believe that everything has a spirit?Hawaiians think that a special energy called mana lives in all things—animals, plants, volcanoes, waves, and even the sky. Because of this, they treat everything with respect and care.
4. What is a heiau?A heiau is a temple where Hawaiians hold ceremonies and offer prayers or sacrifices. It is a special place that connects people with the gods.
5. Who are the kahuna?Kahuna are priests and experts who help people talk to the gods. They know how to heal, navigate the stars, and perform important rituals for the community.
6. From the article, write the religious classification:Polytheistic and animistic, acknowledging multiple deities and spirits within the natural world

Mana: The spiritual power or life force believed to be inherent in all things, influencing existence and events.
Kapu: A system of sacred laws, prohibitions, and taboos governing social conduct and spiritual practices.
Heiau: Ancient Hawaiian temples or sacred sites used for religious ceremonies and worship.
Kahuna: A priest, expert, or shaman in traditional Hawaiian society, possessing specialized knowledge.